HISTORY OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CORSICANA, TEXAS
by Dr. Robert L. Uzzel, Pastor
Giving honor to God and to the members and friends of Bethel AME Church in
Corsicana, Texas, where the writer currently has the blessed privilege of serving as
pastor. In compiling this information, he wishes to acknowledge the 2006 Bethel
History written by Sis. Mable Cook Scott, who has been a member of Bethel for over 80
years. We thank Sis. Cook for all of her contributions to Bethel. In her History, she
wrote:
The date of our birth was 1872. Born as it were, out of the black culture, it has functioned in the context of the character and genius of that culture, preserved the best of it, while embracing a universal spirit and an ecumenical perspective. We need to know our history. A people cannot really understand an institution until they understand its processes of growth. Through a knowledge of our past, we can build on the successes and learn from the failures of previous years. We can profit from the service of leaders who are now in eternal sleep, and grow in maturity and spirit.
Each word in the name of our church has a meaning:
The word BETHEL means “House of God.” The word AFRICAN means that our church was organized by people of African Descent and heritage, and we proudly recognize that fact. The word METHODIST means being a member of a Protestant Christian denomination. The word EPISCOPAL refers to the form of government under which our church operates. The Episcopal form of government means that the chief executive and administrative officers of our denomination are our Bishops. The word CHRUCH is a community of people who believe in God and who have accepted Jesus Christ as the guide and master of our lives.
On March 22, 1868, Andrew Watts, Booker South, Solomon Joshua, and Isiah Flournoy, Trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) of Corsicana paid $1.00 to W. R. Baker and A. Gramsbeck for all rights and titles to certain land, lots, and property located on the corner of East Collin and North 4th Street in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas. At the time, Mose Reynolds and J. E. Nelson were also serving as Trustees. However, their names do not appear on the deed. On February 8, 1872, the original deed and certificate of acknowledgment were filed in the office of H. V. Hurlock, District Clerk of Navarro County.
Bethel was built by Sedmark and Elliott Builders. After the church was organized, the membership began to increase and a parsonage was erected. On January 17, 1893, the Trustees secured a loan for $582 from the Texas Building Loan Association for repairs and additions to the building. Due to limited funds, the seats and floors remained unpainted. On June 30, 1898, the Trustees contracted with R. K. Erwin and J. J. Culbertson to lease the property behind the parsonage for the drilling of oil. The church received one-tenth (1/10) of the oil produced. These proceeds were used to defray the expense on the note.
Bethel was the site of the organization of two annual conferences of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1875, the West Texas Conference was organized here by Bishop John M. Brown. In 1897, the North Texas Conference was organized here by Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward.
Pastors of Bethel between 1872 and 1910 included Revs. Lynn, Lister, Trap, Wilhite, Lee Buff, Randolph, Grimes, Pyles, Taylor, Anderson, Laws, Rankins, Motten, C. H. Bell, and H. A. Carr.
Sis. Scott wrote:
The present church that stands today was built during the year of 1910 under the leadership of the late Rev. H. A. Carr. Words are too inadequate to express the honor that is due to this dear beloved, dynamic leader. Basically, he was a shepherd who loved and care for his flock and one who would adorn any pulpit. He was a strong root, along with his wife, son Wilson, and daughters Hattie Marjorie, Annie Belle, and Ernestine. His devoted wife was a zealous mother and was the originator of “Vanguard Dinners” in Corsicana, which became very popular and are being used in some form today. There were many strong roots that played a major part in helping to shape Bethel under the leadership of Rev. H. A. Carr.
The Carr administration was marked by class meetings, Sunday night worship, organization of the Usher Board by Bro. James Edwards, and the organization of the Dennis Johnson Missionary Society, which was named for one of the faithful members.
The Bethel Prayer Band included Jimmy Alford, Robert Narker, Sam Robinson, Southall, Eddie Chance, Pete Chance, Finis Sparks, Celia Robinson, Sue Townsend, Carrie Gordon, Rachel Patterson, Rachel Davis, Dicey Nelson, and Sarah Miles. Early musicians included Sackie Johnson on organ, Jim Edwards on tuba, Ben Lowe on Saxophone, and Clifton Brewer on violin. Sis. Scott regarded them as good roots and their music as the sweetest this side of heaven.
The Angelic Choir included Fannie Simmons, Dora Williams, Beannie Gales, Lela Stephens, O. S. Denson, Sis. Denson, Lillie Neal, Edna Thomas, Vessie Smith, Hattie Moore, Daisy Washington, Mattie Womack, Hettie Dawson, Wilmer Sallard, Joe Brown, Price McIntyre, Ostell Sallard, L. L. Smith, and Dr. Humphrey. According to Sis. Scott: “When their voices blended in singing hymns and anthems, any Bethelite was proud to be a part of the church. They were the sturdy roots of the church.”
Trustees included G. W. Jackson, Bob Durham, George Johnson, Wilson Williams, Alex Moore, Joe Traylor, O. S. Denson, and Will Rogers. Stewards included Alfred Moore, Jonah Barkins, Jimmy Alford, Jim Lewis, Sam Robinson, Freeman Moore, Jim Southall, Joe Atkinson, Bro. Glass, Bro. Gee, and James Edwards. Stewardesses included Dewalt, Celia Sparks, Lula Ross, Lucy Hurt, Carrie Brown, Elizabeth Smith, Ann Smith, Lena Dennis, Lula Chance, Essie Blass, Florence Knox, Leasie Thomas Manuel Davis, Lela Cage, Willie Brown, and Sis. Eden.
Sis. Scott recalled:
These dedicated roots were devout and loyal to their church. They stood in readiness for their call of duty. Each Sunday morning at the opening service, the choir filed out of the choir room singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy” as the Stewardesses attired in their snow white uniforms and black caps marched out of the pastor’s study. It was truly a sight to behold to see these pious Christians exhibiting reverence to God.”
The Willing Workers included Nora Ross, Dora Nelson, Agnes Jones, Lela Cage, Octavia Edwards, Lula Allen, Mary Etta Sparks, Willie Moore, Emma Smith, Mamie Ware, Lizzie Hawkins, Missouri Gasper, Olivia Perry Florence Lee, Addie Clay, Lucy Moore, Emma Watts, Dixie Atkinson, Gertie McGuire, Bernice McGuire, and Sis. Peterson. Little sprouting roots involved in Sunday School and Christian Endeavor included Estella Prather, Foster Prather, Donora Davis, Clydie McIntyre, Beatrice Beaver, Sarah Reager, Nona M. Blocker, Jimmie D. Edwards, Johnnie M. Moore, Othello Moore, Watson Moore, Queen Esther Davis, Alberta Moore, Maurice Jones, Tyree Glenn, Moses Dodd, Vivian Stokes, Horace Sparks, Frances Sparks, Norman Spence, Hallie B. Jackson, Mary Louise Pardee, Arlene Dennis, Thelma Dennis, Ella Lewis, Alberta Jackson, Annie Lewis, Dora Lewis, Godlie Lewis, Alice Lewis, James Lewis, and Kames Lewis.
“Active roots among the young ladies and men” included Marguerite Johnson, Ima Johnson, Joe Johnson, Lucy Knox, Mamie Knox, Hattie Barker, Bernie Bunn, Price McIntyre, Marguerite Glass, Robert Bunn, Quay Moore, Herman Blocker, Verna Brown, Adelaide Nelson, Alonzo Durham, Joe Davis, Tresser Washington, Christine Washington, Daisy Washington, Alfred Moore, Bernice McGuire, and Alfred McGuire.
During various periods of history, Bethel has been blessed by a number of dedicated musicians, including Mollie Robinson, Tecumseh Know, Helen Denson, Jimmie D. Edwards, Lola Mar Cook, Vernita B. Cook, Betty Joe Duncan, Lois Jean Jonson, Lillian McIntire, Marie McIntyre, Anthelene McGriff, Ruby Watts, Faith Kelly, and Ezra L. Carroll, III.
In 1915, Rev. Carr was moved to Bethel AME Church in Dallas. According to Sis. Scott: “He and those who served as pillars of this church have left an everlasting imprint on the sands of time. Many and/or all of them are gone but not forgotten.” Rev. Carr was succeeded by Rev. Charles Abbington, whose wife Estella served as musician. During his pastorate, the membership grew, the church and parsonage were repaired, and the mortgage was paid off.
In 1918, Rev. Richmond C. and Sis. Narcissus Walker came to Bethel. Later pastors and wives have included James M. Johnson (1926), James L. and L. R. Mosley (1929), W. M. Palmer (1931), Bennett (1933), Payton E. and Ruth Womack (1935), Henry F. and Alzatha D. Cooper (1938), Alexander (1945), and Cornwallis and Fannie Prince (1945). Sis. Scott recalled that Rev. Prince “assumed the responsibilities and obligations of leadership. He brought the message of Christ to the church and throughout the community. The Gospel Choir was organized in 1947, and the murals that grace the front walls were done by a Bethelite, Bro. Curtis Cage.”
Following Rev. Prince, the following pastors and wives served Bethel: J. E. and Hattie Valentine (1950), Pastor and Edna Godley (1952), Pastor and Nellie Garland (1953), and Pastor and Mary Price (1954).
Rev. W. A. Carr was appointed to Bethel in 1958. According to Sis. Scott: “His ministry was one of abiding love, warm friendship, and fellowship. No day or night was too long as he extended himself in the service of mankind through visitation of the sick, comforting of the bereaved, performing marriage ceremonies, serving as the active janitor of the church, and counseling with members and friends.” He served until 1963, when he was succeeded by Rev. Thornton.
Rev. J. W. Franklin was appointed to Bethel in 1964. During his one-year tenure, the old parsonage was demolished and the present one was erected by another Bethelite, Bro. Joe Jennings.
Rev. George Willis served at Bethel from 1965 to 1972, along with his wife Marrell and son Curtis. According to Sis. Scott: “During his administration, a new organ was bought by the members, red velvet draperies were bought and hung by the Gospel Choir, and five ladies were responsible for the red carpet.” In 1972, he was transferred to Saint Luke AME Church in Waco and was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Boyd.
Rev. William Vaughn, Sr. and his wife Willie Mae served Bethel from 1974 to 1977. The writer joined the AME Church in 1975 and met Rev. Vaughn shortly afterward. At Vaughn’s invitation, he preached at Bethel for the first time in 1976, having no idea that he would one day serve as pastor.
In 1977, Rev. L. C. Hammond came to Bethel, along with his wife Theresa and son Darryl. During his eight-month tenure, he sought to reorganize the internal functioning and develop a better financial program.
In 1978, Rev. Hammond was transferred to Macedonia AME Church in Kaufman and Rev. Howard W. Johnson, pastor of Macedonia since 1967, was transferred to Bethel. Rev. Johnson brought with him his wife Willie Jo and children, Marion, Mark, Cynthia, and Cheryle. According to Sis. Scott: “Under his leadership, the Gospel Choir purchased a piano and the Sunshine Choir was organized, with Sis. Linda Washington Carroll serving as organist and Sis. Alva Jean Smith serving as pianist. In March 1980, the church was completely renovated by Hayes-Hoskin Lumber Company under the guidance of the chairperson of the Trustee Board, Sis. Wynona Combs. The pews were refinished by Sis. Bobbie Perry for $1400.” It was during the tenure of Rev. Johnson that Bethel served as host for the 1980, 1982, and 1986 sessions of the Northeast Texas Conference. The writer and his wife Debra (who were then serving as pastor and wife of Macedonia AME Church in Kaufman, where they had succeeded the Hammonds in 1979) attended each of these sessions.
On November 12, 1989, Rev. Warren Scott, Sr. was appointed as pastor of Bethel. The church was blessed by him, his wife Wanda, and their children Warren, Jr., Flossie Rena, Torreon, and Eddie. According to Sis. Mable Scott: “He and his wife are among a very few couples who minister full-time in the office of the church. The parsonage has been completely restored and the physical church has taken on a new face.”
In August 1992, Rev. Billy Freeman and his wife Sadie were appointed to Bethel. Sis Scott recalled that, at this time, the services were “conducted by a minister that can sing, play, preach, pray, and communicate with all people from the Bible for all occasions.”
The Freeman administration was followed by those of Rev. M. C. Cooper and his wife Patricia (a former student of the writer); and Rev. Lewis Conway and his wife Fay.
Rev. Ray Charles Emanuel was appointed to Bethel in November 2005. During his administration, Bethel hosted a successful youth conference. Improvements were made on the church building, parsonage, and grounds. In 2006, members of the youth department were sent to convocation for three days.
Rev. Emanuel was succeeded in September 2009 by Rev. Keith Gavin, who served until 2011, when he took a job in Afghanistan. However, during his short time at Bethel, he repaired the roof, bought land across from the church, and conducted two district missionary programs.
In 2011, Rev. Gavin was succeeded by Rev. Willie Greene, who remodeled the kitchen and parsonage and added amplifiers and a speaker system. A number of district meetings were held at Bethel during his administration. In November 2016, he turned 75, the mandatory retirement age in the AME Church. A gala retirement celebration was held in Corsicana.
On November 19, 2016, Bishop Vashti McKenzie appointed the writer as the new pastor of Bethel. This appointment was a type of homecoming for him, as he had spoken at Bethel during the administrations of William Vaughn, Keith Gavin, and Willie Greene; and for his wife Debra, who is a native of nearby Fairfield and graduate of Navarro College with decades-long ties to Corsicana. Pastor Bob and Sister Debra now live in Corsicana, where they are quite active in the community. Bethel has hosted a number of denominational meetings. The Dennis Johnson Women’s Missionary Society conducts worship services in local nursing homes and does charitable work in the community. The pastor is involved in hospital, nursing home, and jail ministries. On January 14, 2018, Bethel hosted a celebration of the 1963 Chicago Conference on Religion and Race, bringing together local Christian and Jewish leaders. Future plans include a website, a Texas State Historical marker, and a number of building renovations.
The words written by Sis. Mable Cook Scott in July 2006 are quite relevant today: “We salute the founders to whom we are deeply indebted and abundantly grateful. Bethel stands today as a testament to the efforts on the part of the founders and the latter-day pioneers, who had faith in His Word and labored to fulfill the commission Christ gave His church in Acts 1:8: ‘But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.’ AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.”
